Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms - Brookings

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General Considerations in Using International and Regional Mechanisms
point and this may be a factor to consider in choosing among them. Information on their policies
in this respect has been included where available.
Procedure The procedures for the mechanisms vary greatly. In general, the Special Procedures
and the special rapporteurs of the regional human rights commissions in Africa and the
Americas are among the most informal in their procedures with regard to communications.
On the other extreme are the regional courts in Africa, the Americas and Europe, with very
formal rules of procedure.
Potential result It is important to carefully consider what each available human rights mechanism
can deliver. Few of the mechanisms in this guide have the power to issue binding orders to
states to halt a particular human rights violation or to provide compensation or other recompense
for past violations. Most of the mechanisms rely on publicity of one kind or another to encourage
states to abide by their human rights obligations. This can be in the form of public reports, opinions,
decisions or press statements. Others rely on confidential dialogue, at least at initial stages.
Given the lack of enforcement power for most of the mechanisms, IDPs and their advocates should
not necessarily expect the final product of a human rights mechanism to be the end of the matter.
An opinion, statement, report or decision by a human rights mechanism can, however, be one more
piece of persuasive authority to use in a larger campaign to persuade authorities to provide relief.
Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms
for Internally Displaced Persons and their Advocates 20